Customer Reviews

Summer Daydreams

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I listened to what turned out to be track 5 of this album on United Airlines. Kern and his ensemble carried me through the skies on weekly trips to San Francisco from Omaha for 6 months. This single track inspired me to ask her to get married! Let me tell you that I listen to all the great jazz and new age music currently available and this is the number one album. Every track is a "track 5". You'll be getting married shortly after you purchase this album. If you could only listen to one album, it would either be Bach's Goldberg Variations (the late Gould recording) or SUMMER DAYDREAMS. I am initiating coverage with STRONG BUY!

This is undoubtedly the most beautiful instrumental album I have ever heard. Being a clarinetist, the first time I heard "Return to Love", I was stunned by Luis Baez's virtuosity. His tone is fabulous, and I am in awe every time I hear it. "Pan's Return" is also a favorite and gave me a whole new respect for the French Horn. I play this CD almost every night when I go to sleep -- it is so relaxing. This and "In the Enchanted Garden" are two of my favorite CD's by Kevin Kern. Highly recommended!

Pianist Kevin Kern has released another gem! More classically-influenced than his previous two releases (or is it just all of the strings?), "Summer Daydreams" is soft, gentle, and sunny throughout. There are no rough or jagged edges, and a wistful, dreamy mood is sustained from start to finish - perfect for a lazy afternoon stretched out in a patch of sunshine or a cozy evening by the fireplace. The album features Kern on piano and synth, Jeremy Cohen on violin, Thalia Moore on cello, Luis Baez on clarinet, and Bob Ward on French horn. Most of the tracks are ensemble pieces with one or more of these artists, and the results are lovely. There are no pianistic pyrotechnics here, but there is an abundance of warmth and sincerity to soothe the mind and calm the spirit. "Pan's Return" is one of my favorite cuts - it is primarily piano, but contains several passages that are duets with French horn - a combination you don't find too often! "Pastel Reflections" is also especially nice with piano accompanied by soft washes of strings. "Whisperings" and the title cut remind me of some of the standards of the 30's and `40's, and "Dance of the Dragonfly" hints of Liz Story's earlier work. "Return to Love" is a bittersweet ballad for piano and clarinet that could easily become a romantic movie theme. Uncluttered and uncomplicated, this is sweet, straight-forward music for relaxing and enjoyment - a light-hearted antidote for the holiday craziness!

I have enjoyed Jim Brickman's piano music for some time and thought I would try one of Kevin Kern's. It is truly beautiful music. Uplifting and soothing at the same time. I find it hard to stop listening to this CD over and over again. I certainly plan to purchase other CD's by Kevin.

We have his other two albums and got this one as soon as it came out. It is great! Put it on, lay back and let it take you away. It is one of those CDs that you can listen to time and time again. Feeling down? This will get you going again with a fresh start and a rested mind. Enjoy!

I love this CD so much that I play it every single night when falling asleep. It's so beautiful and calming. I have many CD's in this category, but this one by far is the best!

In less than 24 hours I have listened to this album 8 times!!...This is my first purchase from Kevin Kern. I read all the other reviews and figured it would be a nice addition to my collection. I never expected it to become one of my favorites so quickly. I cannot pick out just one track to rave about. I LOVE them all! There is a quality to this music that causes my soul at its very core to relax and just know that all is well.

This was the first CD I discovered by Kevin Kern, and remains one of his best. His music is haunting without being sad, and I have known people who stopped mid-conversation when they first heard it, commenting on how beautiful the melodies are. I recommend this particular CD without qualification.

The music in this cd is heavenly. It's a relaxing, de-stressing collection. I highly recommend it. The only problem with it is that I want to sit down and listen to each piece so don't put it on if you want to get any work done.

My wife and I love piano music and this is definitely one of our favorite CD. The music is very relaxing and soothing. If you love piano music, then you must have this CD in your collection.

PNR